Northern Michigan University, located in Marquette, Michigan, is a dynamic four-year, public, comprehensive university that has grown its reputation based on its award-winning leadership programs, cutting-edge technology initiatives and nationally recognized academic programs. Northern has a population of about 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

Ask a few Northern students what drew them to our university and you will get a variety of answers. That's because there is no single thing that make students want to go to Northern; it is ALL the things that we do here. Northern is big enough to offer a wide variety of academic programs but is also small enough that every time you walk across campus, you'll probably wave "hi" to someone you know.

Curiosity is the raw ingredient of knowledge. It causes us to ask questions, to seek answers, to learn. At Northern Michigan University, natural curiosity and intellectual challenge meet in stimulating classes grounded in the liberal arts. So wherever your curiosity leads you, you can count on the support you need to take the next step, ask the next question, propose the next hypothesis.

The mission of the Northern Michigan University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, Recreational Sports and the United States Olympic Training Site is to create an environment that promotes academic excellence, interpersonal growth and social development; embraces diversity; teaches lifetime leisure skills; fosters spirit and tradition; and builds a lifelong connection to NMU.

Yes, you'll attend your classes, but what else will you be doing as a student at Northern? There's so much stuff to choose from. There's a student organization or club – almost 300 at last count-- for just about every interest. If you're into investigating the paranormal, anime or improv comedy, there's a group. Cheer on your fellow Wildcats at a hockey game or volleyball match. Join a competitive club sport or an intramural team. The sky is the limit.

Press Box

Dean Ellis

MARQUETTE, Mich. - Dean Ellis, coach of the Northern Michigan University men’s basketball team for the past 24 years, has resigned, according to NMU Athletic Director Ken Godfrey.

Godfrey said Ellis, is leaving the position for “a number of reasons, including some health issues.” The basketball coaching resignation is effective immediately, but Ellis will continue his current duties as the coach of the Wildcat golf team.

“There are so many moments of my time with NMU basketball that I wouldn’t have missed for anything, but right now, it’s time for me to make some changes,” said Ellis. “I would like to thank all of the players, parents, fans, administrators and colleagues who have been instrumental to me over the years. It has been a privilege for me, and my wife Lois, to have raised our sons during my basketball coaching career at NMU.”

Ellis became coach of the team in 1986-87 after serving the three previous seasons as an assistant to Glenn Brown. During his tenure, he posted a 369-303 record. In January 2005, he became the winningest coach in the program’s history, surpassing Brown’s 300-188 mark. He was also the longest-serving coach with two more years than C.B. Hedgcock’s 22 campaigns. Ellis became a dual sport coach in 1993 when he took over the reins of golf team.

Under Ellis’ leadership, the basketball Wildcats made 13 appearances in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) post-season tournament and won the 1999-2000 title. His 1993, 1999 and 2000 squads won GLIAC regular-season titles and also qualified for the NCAA Division II Great Lakes Regional Tournament. He had four 20-win seasons (1993, ’94, ’99, ’00). Ellis was selected 1993 GLIAC Coach of the Year.

This past year, Northern went 11-15 and was 8-14 in GLIAC action for fifth place in the North Division.

A native of Negaunee, Ellis played collegiately at Southwest Missouri State University. He transferred to NMU and completed his bachelor’s degree in physical education in 1983.

“We wish Dean well as he moves onto a new chapter in his life, and we thank him for his dedication over two and a half decades to Wildcat basketball,” said Godfrey.

Godfrey said that a national search will begin immediately to replace Ellis.